Chapter 51 (2/2)

Eliza and Beth began to argue into a hand mirror. Why can't you talk together in an easier way. s.h.i.+zuru let out a mixed sigh and drooped his shoulders; Mary, who sat on his knee, looked up with a concerned expression.

”… Mother, does something hurt? Is it painful? If I kill someone, make them fall apart, will the pain go away?  Will it not hurt anymore?”

”Hm? Ahh no, it's okay Mary, since this happens every time.”

Although the way she spoke was unsettling, he was happy that she was concerned for him. s.h.i.+zuru stroked Mary's head as she affectionately hugged his knee.

In an instant, Mary's face turned beet-red and she looked downwards in embarra.s.sment.

Bashfully, she said in a small voice to s.h.i.+zuru-

”…  Mother… I also, want to work.”

”Hm… well… you're right. Then Mary, this time you will do these ones with me okay.”

Truthfully speaking, he was somewhat reluctant to let her kill as well. Along with a mixed smile, s.h.i.+zuru picked up three requests and showed them to Mary.

――At any rate, with this, Caska and Lady had seven requests, and Elizabeth had four. And, with s.h.i.+zuru and Mary there with three items, one remained.

”…… Do I only get one?”

”Well, yes. However, this one is especially difficult.”

Frankly speaking, s.h.i.+zuru thought that these requests specifically should be given to the fourth squad. Given that the organizational structure of Black Maria is divided up do that each squad is in charge of one district, it's acceptable to do so. When the third squad has to work in the western district, they had to speak to Richelieu and the fourth squad captain in advance first.

Yet, after s.h.i.+zuru thought about it, he decided to let Ludmilla choose. He thought that it would be unfair to pa.s.s this request elsewhere without saying anything to Ludmilla.

”It's up to you as to whether you take it or not, Ludmilla.”

”The clients are a dozens of the eastern district resident who signed it jointly. The target is an aristocrat.”

Ludmilla's eyes opened wide; She didn't expect s.h.i.+zuru's words. It's justified however. It was because aristocratic requests were usually dropped at the first opportunity.

”―― Give it to me!”

Plucking the request from s.h.i.+zuru's hands, her eyes grew even wider as they crept over the contents of the letter. And, as she looked at the name jotted down ―― air leaked from within Ludmilla's throat.

”Count…… Garland……!!”

It wasn't just an 'I have heard that name.' Even for Ludmilla, who hated all of the aristocracy, he was someone who she detested more than the others.

No way――No way――

”――To think that this chance has come to me this soon ……!!”

Unknowingly, Ludmilla's lips curved upwards. Rejuvenated with delight and resurrected hatred. Her shoulders quivered as her jumbled emotions blended together; s.h.i.+zuru asked about something that she remembered.

”Ludmilla, how is it? You're free to decide ―― I don't mind.”

In the middle of s.h.i.+zuru talking, his nape was gripped. He, using both hands, grabbed Mary, who reflexively whipped out her knife, in a remonstrating manner.

”……It goes without saying, I'm gonna take it.”

Ludmilla grabbed s.h.i.+zuru's nape with a sneer. It was the distorted smile of which a person possessed by the thought of vengeance.

”I will kill him…… I've seen it in my dreams; it's a long-awaited opportunity! I won't miss this chance, don't you agree!?”

Ludmilla replied with bite-like intensity, bringing her face so close to his that not even a sigh could escape while baring her fangs.

And s.h.i.+zuru could only comply with a brief comment.

”……Is that so? I understand.”

He reciprocated with a calm, gentle voice, which was no different from his usual tone.

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